It’s a busy summer for construction on the campus of Columbia International University. Thanks in part to many faithful financial donors; work crews are improving the G. Allen Fleece Library, and the inside of West Residence Hall. Improvements to the exterior of Founders, Petty and Walker Residence Halls may also be coming soon.

The library renovation comes just over a year after a fire caused $2.5 million in damages, mostly to the interior of the building. Much of the new infrastructure is in place, and in early June, crews laid carpet and began to set up book shelves. That makes CIU Librarian Jo Anne Rhodes happy.

“Having the shelves here is great, because many times that is the very thing that holds up a library,” Rhodes said on Facebook. “When the original library was built in 1968 we had to open up with all the books in boxes on the main floor! I remember because I was the one who had to find a book when a student wanted it!!”

Workers are also braving the Carolina summer heat as they gut the interior of West Residence Hall to make way for extensive improvements to all areas of the men’s dorm.

Also, once building permits are secured, new roofs, windows and furniture will be installed in Founders, Petty and Walker Residence Halls.

The goal is for all the construction to be completed before students return to campus in August for the fall semester.